Port Orleans vs. AKL vs. Boardwalk- help please

[twinsmomvj]

Hi! I would love some thoughts. Background: we haven't been to WDW for about 5 years. For that trip, we stayed at AKL (and we stayed at AKL one other time about 12 years ago- which was my first trip to Disney, so I have fond memories). We have also stayed at Poly -but otherwise, we have stayed off-site.

I am now planning a quick trip with my daughters (ages 19 and almost 7) from 5/30 to 6/3 (4nights). We have never been at this time of year, but I know to expect hot! and therefore, I think we will plan to have more resort/pool time than we would otherwise do.

Prices below include non-hopper tickets:
French Quarter $2694
Riverside Royal Room $3005
AKL $3350
Boardwalk $3543

I would love to hear any pros/cons. I was originally planning to book AKL, but I thought it might be nice to try something different too.

Thank you so much!!

 

[brockash]

We would do POFQ or Boardwalk. We are NOT fans of AKL, but it sounds like you've been before and may have a different take. In our opinion AKL is by far the most inconvenient out of your list in terms of transportation and even amenities in our opinion. POR would be fine, but we'd always choose POFQ over it and definitely wouldn't pay more for Riverside.

POFQ is nice because it's small, beautiful and very easy to get around. You can walk to POR and boat to DS.

Boardwalk is so convenient to walk to Epcot/DHS and you could easily go back for mid day breaks to get out of the heat. There's also so much to do/see around the Boardwalk.

In our opinion AKL would be the toughest to go back for midday breaks with the exception of an AK day.

 

[Wedgeout]

With the prices not far off, if have that opportunity to stay at the Boardwalk. Do it!! Being there at Crescent Lake with walking access to HS & Epcot. Plus the Deluxe resort with current extra after hours nights. That resort has a great main pool area. Plus all that the neighbor resorts have there to offer. It’s the best area to stay. We are vacation club members at the Beach Club and love closing those parks with no transportation worries.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

That price looks like AKL Savanna View. Are you able to get Standard View closer down to the Royal Room price?

 

[Dug720]

If you are even thinking you want to take advantage of the Evening Extra Hours, you'll need to be at AKL or Boardwalk. The POs are moderates and not eligible for the evening hours.

 

[Marthasor]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. If budget is a consideration, I would probably pick French Quarter. There is no reason, IMHO, to spend over $300 more on a Royal Room. If you want to increase your budget, I would probably go Boardwalk over AKL just for the proximity to EP and DHS, a larger room and to try something new. We absolutely love walking around the Boardwalk in the evenings, enjoying the entertainment and playing the carnival games. We also really like the pool and slide.

 

[lockets]

French Quarter if lower costs are important.

Boardwalk if pool and having extended hours at parks is more important. (Caveat: if you’re looking for a recently renovated room I don’t believe they updated BW in a while but location, location, location! And more for your $ w/extended hours.)

I’m also a huge proponent of trying different hotels so that’s why I wouldn’t suggest going back to AK. You can always plan for a dining reservation there to re-live fond memories of the property and see animals.

Have a blast and remember there’s no wrong choice!

 

[iheartglaciers]

I agree with what others have said. If budget is important, than I'd pick Port Orleans FQ. But if it isn't, I'd pick Boardwalk, especially since you don't go that often.

• Boardwalk makes it so easy to take mid-day breaks from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And the Flower & Garden Festival will be going on! Being able to walk to two parks is a big deal.
• With how crowds levels are these days, the Evening Extra Hours for deluxe resorts can be great for getting in a lot of rides with much lower waits at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. The only thing is they're pretty late at night, so if you're not night owls you may not take advantage of them.
• The Boardwalk has a fun vibe and lots to do: nighttime street entertainers, surry bikes, exploring the neighboring resorts (and even more on the Skyliner)

The main downside is that Boardwalk's pool area is just okay compared to a lot of other Deluxe resorts, but that's just my opinion.

 

[twinsmomvj]

Thank you guys! I was getting excited about Boardwalk, but I am no longer finding the same rate (the current offer is no longer applying to Boardwalk, though it was earlier). I guess I will keep waiting (or should I book something in the meantime?)

 

[Skippyboo]

Have you checked the rates for Swan/Dolphin? Not a Disney themed hotel but you still get the Crescent Lake location and the amenities like the pool are pretty nice.

 

[twinsmomvj]

Have you checked the rates for Swan/Dolphin? Not a Disney themed hotel but you still get the Crescent Lake location and the amenities like the pool are pretty nice.

Thank you- I will check! Are these eligible for the extended evening hours?

 

[Skippyboo]

Thank you- I will check! Are these eligible for the extended evening hours?

I believe so. Also keep in mind Extended Hours are only Monday and Wednesday. It’s not every day.

 

[Wedgeout]

Thank you- I will check! Are these eligible for the extended evening hours?

They are along with the new Swan Reserve there.

 

[Sunshine11]

French Quarter or Boardwalk Inn. Whichever your budget can accommodate. French Quarter is a lovely moderate resort and not too far from the feature pool from any room to enjoy a mid-day swim or if your budget can handle the Boardwalk, I don't think you'll be disapppointed.

 

[Marthasor]

Thank you guys! I was getting excited about Boardwalk, but I am no longer finding the same rate (the current offer is no longer applying to Boardwalk, though it was earlier). I guess I will keep waiting (or should I book something in the meantime?)

I would book something you think will work in the meantime and keep looking for other resorts/rooms to open up.

Thank you- I will check! Are these eligible for the extended evening hours?

They are. I would just suggest, if you are interested in Swan/Dolphin (we prefer the Swan), to book directly through Marriott - you will get better rates.

 

[iheartglaciers]

Thank you guys! I was getting excited about Boardwalk, but I am no longer finding the same rate (the current offer is no longer applying to Boardwalk, though it was earlier). I guess I will keep waiting (or should I book something in the meantime?)

I would book something in the meantime because there are a limited amount of rooms allocated to the discounts (that might be why you’re no longer seeing the discount apply to the Boardwalk room), and you can always cancel it if you find something better.

Also, keep checking periodically to see if the Boardwalk offer pops again in case someone cancels.

 

[DJFan88]

Hands down, I vote Boardwalk. You can’t beat that, I mean sure I like Port Orleans too, but can that really compare? AK— loved my stay there, it’s beautiful. But convenience, of well, almost everything, and super nice at BW.
The real question is if you mind forking over the extra cash because there’s no question there’s a reason it costs more.
Bummer that the rate has changed. Have you checked YC for rates? They sometimes still have stuff when the other 2 do not.
The suggestion of checking out Dolphin is a good one. I liked it. Use their own website for rates.

 

[twinsmomvj]

Would it be crazy to do a split stay for such a short trip? Boardwalk offer is still available for the first 2 days.

For now, I ended up reserving French Quarter for our stay, but I also may reserve Swan on Marriott as well.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

Have you checked Yacht or Beach Club ? I love that area but don’t love Boardwalk. Yacht is our favorite! Great rooms , great location , great pool ! I would choose French Quarter on your list . We like Riverside too but Princess room for the extra money is not worth it . If you do get a princess room walk to the bus stop to the left because you will get picked up first . The princess stop to the right is usually standing room only . Have an amazing trip!!

 

[twinsmomvj]

I kept checking and I was able to get Boardwalk, so I am excited!!